Indochine

Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the sun, women carrying goods to market by yoke basket, young monks in saffron robes—the visual images of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are striking in Luang Prabang, Laos' charming temple town, we boat along the Mekong and meet Hmong and Khamu hill villagers. In Vietnam, we take a bike-rickshaw through Hanoi's Old Quarter, overnight on our own private boat in Bai Tu Long Bay, stroll the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An, and marvel at the palaces of the Nguyen emperors in Hue. Our final treat is Angkor, Cambodia's surreal "lost city" rising out of an enveloping forest, where we explore the soaring stone towers of a medieval metropolis.

Itinerary

Days 1-4 
Luang Prabang, Laos 
Laos' royal capital until 1975, Luang Prabang is a tranquil oasis of colonial architecture and hundred-yearold frangipani trees along the Mekong. We visit its 15th century pagodas, climb up to Buddhist cave-grottos, and visit Hmong and Khamu hill tribe people. At sunrise one morning, we'll make merit by giving alms to the monks. The town's night market is a great place to see hill tribe crafts.

Days 5-11 
Hanoi, Vietnam / Bai Tu Long Bay / Hoi An / Hue / Saigon 
Taking in Hanoi's Old Quarter by rickshaw and on foot, we stop for a delicious lunch of cha ca, Hanoi's famous fish and noodle dish, and visit the studio of a local artist. In Bai Tu Long Bay, less crowded than nearby Halong Bay, we overnight aboard our private traditional junk� (boat) in this stunning karst landscape. We walk the riverside lanes of Hoi An, and in Hue, see the royal legacy of the 19th century Nguyen rulers. Our last stop in Vietnam is Saigon, with its French colonial architecture and compelling museums.

Days 12-16 
Siem Reap, Cambodia / Temples of Angkor 
With intricate bas-reliefs, pavilions, and reflecting ponds in a park-like landscape, Angkor is a breathtaking expression of the glory of the Khmer Empire. Timing the order of our visits for the least crowded times, we explore many of these massive stone temples, including Ta Prohm, where huge fig, banyan, and kapok trees have grown through the temple's walls. Depart on Day 16 via Siem Reap.